My neighbour is trying to stop me transforming my garage into a living room – but I’m fighting back
A ROW about an extension has been reignited between next-door neighbours on a quiet cul-de-sac.
The dispute between Ifran Mulla and Saleh Dhanchora first started in December 2021, when the former submitted proposals that were later approved by council planners.
Mr Mulla’s had applied for permission to add a double-storey side extension, double and single-storey rear extension and front extension including porch to his home in Bargee Close, Blackburn.
But Mr Dhanchora objected to the scheme claiming it would overshadow his property and impact his “right to light” because any extension would significantly affect the sunlight reaching his garden.
Mr Mulla then submitted an amendment to the plans, which involve turning a proposed garage into a living area and minor changes to the rear extension, but this was also opposed by Mr Dhanchora.
He has accused Mr Mulla of “intentionally” deceiving Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and has threatened to take legal action.
Some – but not all – of the neighbours had supported the original plans and work has now been paused on Mr Mulla’s home on the orders of the council.
Dad-of-two Mr Dhanchora, 36, defended the extension and the amendment to his original proposals saying he needed more living space for his family and had pulled down a rear garage, which had a taller roof, to provide a kitchen/diner area.
He told The Sun Online: “I just wanted to extend my own home to increase the living space for my family.
“I’ve got two children and their bedrooms are quite small so the extension will give us more room upstairs.
“It’s up to the council to make the decision in line with their policies and regulations.
“I have been open about what I’ve been doing. It’s all been above board.
“We’re three years down the line and I’m perplexed why there are still objections. We want to be good neighbours, we don’t want to fall out with anyone.
“Surely, we all have the right to extend our homes and create more living space? It’s up to the council whether to approve plans.”
Mr Mulla said he he had “no issue” with Mr Dhanchora personally and still said “hello” to him when they met.
“Hopefully, in the long term it will all be resolved,” he added.
“We’ve not seen eye-to-eye over the extension on but we want to get it done amicably.”
Relatives of Mr Dhanchora said they and he didn’t wish to comment.
But in a written objection to a meeting of the council’s planning committee, he said he objected to the amendment because the front storey extension blocked his daylight and made his lounge “extremely dark”.
“We believe the owner of the property intentionally deceived the council into believing the development included a garage when applying for the initial planning permission,” he wrote.
He added that the issue had caused his family “major stress” and, if the council failed to reject the application, he would have “no choice but to take legal action” against his neighbour.
Councillor Zamir Khan has offered to mediate in the row.
“My understanding is that work has been paused while the council consider the amendment to the plans,” he said.
“I know both parties and I’ve offered to get them around a table to help get matters resolved, if that’s what they want. But neither of them has been in touch.”
In their report on the original plans, council planners noted there would be some impact on Mr Dhanchora’s property – with the extension causing some overshadowing – but the impact would not be “unacceptable” or “overbearing”.
A further report said Mr Mulla’s amendment was “essentially the same” as the previous approval and appeared “acceptable”.
Blackburn with Darwen Council were contacted for comment.
